Far beyond the peaceful skies of Aetheria, in a hidden stronghold cloaked in shadows, The Umbral Hand gathered.
They were a secret order — feared across the lands — made up of outcasts, renegades, and fallen warriors.
Their leader, a man known only as Malrik, sat upon a throne of blackened stone, his piercing crimson eyes studying a map spread before him.
The map showed the locations of the ancient Spirit Beasts — beings of unimaginable power sealed across Aetheria.
Whispers in the winds spoke of a boy...A boy who carried the Kitsune within him.
Malrik's lips curled into a cruel smile.
"Soon... the power of the Spirits will belong to the Umbral Hand."
"Begin the Hunt." he commanded.
Around the room, his lieutenants bowed low.
Each was tasked with finding and capturing the Spirit Hosts — before the Elemental Sages could stop them.
Meanwhile, back in Riku's village...
Riku felt a strange shiver in his bones.
Like something...or someone...was watching him.
Unseen.
Waiting.